Future Stars of PR: Rachel Sprung of Boston University

(HK: I met Rachel at the PRSSA National Assembly in March, and I can’t put into words how impressed i was with her drive to be the best and passion for PR.  As the new PRSSA National VP of Regional Activities, I have no doubt she will take the position to new heights and represent the organization beautifully.  Keep an eye out for her, she is undoubtedly a future star of PR!)

Getting the most out of PRSSA

In September 2007 I began attending Boston University as an inspiring public relations professional.  I always knew that I wanted to be go into public relations but looking back, I did not know as much about the field as I thought.  My logic was, “Well I like interacting with other people.  So I must like public relations.”  Thank goodness this elementary logic convinced me to enter the field because it is so much more than being a “people person,” and I was fortunate enough to enter an industry I have been so rewarded by over the years.

I joined the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) as soon as I started school.  I was always involved in organizations in high school, so I figured why not join a pre-professional organization for my major.  I joined our conference committee and assisted in planning a top notch event about social media that attracted professionals from Boston and New York City as well as students from many universities.  So many doors opened because I joined this society, but more importantly, I became more passionate about the field than I thought possible.

I was able to secure an internship in New York City after only completing my freshman year at Nike Communications and was treated as an assistant account executive.  When I entered my first public relations class during my sophomore year, I felt so well versed in the field thanks to my experiences at the internship and PRSSA.

My journey in PRSSA continued as I held the positions of social chair (Fall 2008) and treasurer (Spring 2009) during my sophomore year.  That summer, I interned at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and had another great experience with corporate communications.  I was elected as the President of PRSSA and Regional Activity Co-Coordinator for the following year.

These experiences have led to my election as the PRSSA National Vice President of Regional Activities.  I am honored and will proudly hold this position for the 2010-2011 school year and look forward to the new and exciting challenges it will bring.

This summer, I will be interning at Burson-Marsteller and put my experiences in PRSSA, past internships, and the classroom to good use.  I want everyone to have the opportunity to have experiences similar to mine.  So here are a few tips to send you on your way.

1. Join PRSSA.  (You knew this was coming).  If this blog post is not enough incentive, visit www.rachelsprung.com to read about some of the experiences I have had in this organization.
2. Start a blog.  We are PR majors.  We like to write, and it isn’t hard to write.  You can put aside an hour a week to update your blog, and before you know it, you will have a substantial writing sample.
3. Take advantage of networking opportunities.  It is so important to make these connections and stay in touch with the people you meet.  You never know who knows who.  And just because you are a student, doesn’t mean you cannot help out a professional (whether it is immediately or in the future).
4. Start reading PR blogs.  You learn so much about the industry through other people’s eyes.
5. Be persistent. We may get rejected from our dream job or face unemployment after earning a degree from a reputable college or university.  As long as we stay focused and continue to work hard toward our end goal, it will happen for all of us.

My personal dream is to work at a PR agency in New York City after I graduate from Boston University.  I truly love everything about New York City from the opportunities its brings to the hectic atmosphere to the city itself and more.  I feel alive when I am in New York City and feel that I can grow as a public relations professional in this environment.

Be committed.  Welcome new experiences.  Find out your interests.  Go above what you are asked to do.  And enjoy your life as a public relations professional.

Feel Free to contact Rachel at rachel.sprung@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @RSprung